As all the hustle and bustle settles from yet another National Schools’ Regatta, the water on Dorney Lake is yet to do so as this weekend it hosts the Metropolitan Amateur Regatta. Unlike most other regatta events, the MET regatta is unique in its approach to the finals. By allowing for speed to be the sole determinant of a final, it means that within each boat class, a range of experiences from Junior to Championship are able to race side by side in what is arguably one of the most exciting racing formats. Across both days the Junior Women’s Quad is set to be exciting and will provide some highly necessary racing experience ahead of the rest of the regatta season with Henley Women’s and Henley Royal now not too far away.
Wycliffe
Definitively establishing themselves as the favourites, the crew from Wycliffe will be looking to add to the medal collection this weekend. Taking the win at NSR, clearly shows this crew has what it takes and clearly has their sights set on lifting the Diamond Jubilee Challenge Cup in just over a month’s time. MET regatta will provide an excellent race opportunity to these girls as they will end up in the final around athletes of a similar speed, including that of senior crews, allowing for these girls to gain the experience in being truly tested down the entire course, and likely – as they are racing the likes of Leander- racing from behind.
Marlow RC
The only crew I can imagine with the depth and possibility of challenging the likes of Wycliffe is this Marlow outfit. Leading across the NSR first 500m, the mixed final set-up could lean into Marlow’s favour placing them around tighter competition all the way down the course and potentially extending this lead out over the full racing distance. From an outsider’s perspective, the Wycliffe, Marlow Battle will definitely be the one to watch.
Claires Court School
As the pinnacle of the junior calendar approaches: Henley Royal Regatta, Claires Court will be looking to make big moves to defend their title. MET Regatta is an excellent opportunity to prepare these girls for this. Racing against the likes of Leander and Molesey will give these girls a chance at racing fresh opposition of whom they are not as familiar with. This will likely provide them with highly useful experience and practice for if any international crews daring to make the trip over this summer to challenge them for their trophy.
Shiplake College
After their 5th place performance at the recent National Schools’ Regatta, Shiplake will be looking to gain lost ground as we approach the back end of the season. Since last weekend, they will likely have reassessed their race and training plan as to best prepare them to begin closing the 18-second gap that currently exists between them and the aforementioned Wycliffe crew. It will be exciting to see if these plans are already going into action come Saturday’s racing.
Other crews racing
After placing 7th last weekend, Tideway Scullers look to be after closing the 9-second gap that now exists between them and Shiplake. Coming from Ireland, crews will also need to keep an eye out for Skibbereen RC of whom are known to produce some of Ireland’s top athletes.
Prediction
To be entirely frank, I personally can only see this race turning out one of two ways. This weekend, albeit Saturday specifically, all eyes will be on Wycliffe and Marlow as they meet one week on from their National Schools’ Regatta Battle. However, based on what appeared to be their overall better and more rehearsed race plan, I believe, at least for this weekend, Wycliffe will be walking away with the win.
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